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Assassination Attempt

Even though I have no personal connection the attack on Paul Pelosi this week has deeply upset me. There is the fact that an intruder in his home fractured his skull (and arm) with a hammer when he's in his 80's; that's a heavy road to come back on.

The assailant (I don't want to name him; we should never give attention to the people who do horrible things beyond what is required to punish them to avoid copycats) was looking for Mr. Pelosi's spouse, the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Years ago a small fringe of conservatives started demonizing Speaker Pelosi, sometimes to energize their base, sometimes to rake in campaign contributions. All people of good-will denounced it, pointing out that in our angry society it is a short path from reading about violence to inflicting it for disturbed folk.

The Republican leadership never did, though, and it spread. Kevin McCarthy recently spoke about replacing Speaker Pelosi with the coming election with the weird phrasing of taking a gavel to her. I've not interviewed the assailant but even if that wasn't his trigger McCarthy will always bear responsibility for saying that and it being attempted.

Pundits on Fox News and their associated media have been spending the weekend trying to demonstrate that it is the fault of the liberals, even though the assailant's social media is full of support for Trump and QAnon.  No compassion. None.

Republican leaders are silent about offering consolation. Mitt Romney, cat got your tongue. Trump, well Trump is still upset that he lost in 2020 and has never offered anyone any compassion anywhere anytime.

January 6, 2021 was a step toward rule by violence. The assault on Mr. Pelosi and the reaction to it was another step. 

I am so saddened by my country, something I never thought I'd write just a few years ago.

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